Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit configured to read an original document, a memory unit configured to store image data, a printer unit configured to print image data, and an analysis unit configured to analyze a print specification sheet read by the scanner, wherein when the analysis unit determines that in a first print specification sheet there is no instruction to read a second print specification sheet, the printer unit prints image data based on the first print specification sheet, and when the analysis unit determines that in the first specification sheet there is an instruction to read a second print specification sheet, the printer unit prints image data specified on the first and second print specification sheets based on the first or the second print specification sheet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that readsand analyzes an original document in which print control instructionsare written, and prints data according to the print controlinstructions.

2. Description of the Related Art

In sheet scan systems, a user utilizes the scan function of amultifunction peripheral (MFP) to write print control instructions on amark-sensing sheet with a pencil or a pen, and the MFP performs printingaccording to analyzed print control instructions. As the sheet scanmethod, various technologies have been disclosed. For example, aJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-34584 proposes aninput/output device which has an image reading unit to read a recordinginstruction before the start of recording, and performs the recordingaccording to the recording instruction.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-236983 proposes a methodfor printing a proof sheet which can specify images to be recorded, anumber of images to be copied, record sheet size, and an imagecorrection processing. After the proof sheet marked by the user is readand the marked items are analyzed, images are recorded according to themarked instruction.

As a result of the increase in the storage capacity of memory cards, thenumber of images that can be stored on a memory card has increased.Accordingly, in order to specify images that the user wishes to print,it is necessary to first print a number of mark-sensing sheets. Even ifprint settings are the same, the user needs to specify images to beprinted, the number of copies, a recording paper size, and an imagecorrection processing on each mark-sensing sheet respectively.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a conventional mark-sensing sheet MS11.A print mode setting section 301 includes marking items which specify arecording paper size, a paper media type, and bordered or borderlessprinting. The items are marked by filling in marking areas. Further, theprint mode setting section 301 includes marking items for date print andautomatic image correction. For date print, a marking area is providedto specify whether to superpose a date on images to show the date onwhich photos were taken. For automatic image correction, a marking areais provided to specify whether to perform automatic image correction sothat optimum print quality can be realized based on histograms of imageluminance and saturation, and photo-taking conditions included in imagedata.

Image information 302 includes sample images in a reduced form that canbe specified by a mark-sensing sheet MS11, and also includes markingareas to specify shooting dates and a number of prints. Image numberrange 303 is a bar code indicating from which number to which number theimages are specified by the mark-sensing sheet MS11 in a memory card.

When printing image data in a memory card using the sheet scan system,the user needs to perform an operation to print this mark-sensing sheetMS11. Thus, images can be printed easily by marking on a printedmark-sensing sheet MS11. However, since the number of images that can bestored in a memory card has increased, a number of mark-sensing sheetsMS11 need to be printed in order for current sheet scan systems to printmany images.

As illustrated in the mark-sensing sheet MS11 in FIG. 3, print settingsfor images on each mark-sensing sheet MS11 can be specified only by theprint mode setting section 301 on the mark-sensing sheet MS11.Therefore, it is necessary to mark the same print settings on everymark-sensing sheet MS11. Moreover, if the user wishes to change some ofthe recording conditions on the used mark-sensing sheet MS11 or changeprint settings only to one image, it is also necessary to mark printsettings which are not changed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an image forming apparatus in which it ispossible to print images by marking print settings only on onemark-sensing sheet without marking print settings on any othermark-sensing sheets, even if a plurality of mark-sensing sheets is usedand print settings are made for a plurality of images.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an image processingapparatus includes a scanner unit configured to read an originaldocument a memory unit configured to store image data, a printer unitconfigured to print image data, and an analysis unit configured toanalyze a print specification sheet read by the scanner, wherein whenthe analysis unit determines that in a first print specification sheetthere is no instruction to read a second print specification sheet, theprinter unit prints image data based on the first print specificationsheet, and when the analysis unit determines that in the firstspecification sheet there is an instruction to read a second printspecification sheet, the printer unit prints image data specified on thefirst and second print specification sheets based on the first or thesecond print specification sheet.

In another aspect of the present invention a method for controlling animage forming apparatus having a scanner configured to read an originaldocument, a memory unit configured to store image data, and a printerunit configured to print image data, the method includes analyzing afirst print specification sheet, printing image data based on a firstprint specification sheet if an analysis result indicates that in thefirst print specification sheet there is no instruction to read a secondprint specification sheet, and printing image data specified by thefirst and the second print specification sheets based on the first orthe second print specification sheet, if the analysis result indicatesthat in the first print specification sheet there is an instruction toread the second specification sheet.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features,and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating external appearancesof a multifunctional peripheral (MFP) as an example of an image formingapparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the (MFP)according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventionalmark-sensing sheet.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mark-sensing sheet according to thefirst exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a mark-sensing sheet according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a file list and print mode settingsaccording to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a file list and print mode settingsaccording to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating all steps in the sheet scan controlmethod according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of amark-sensing sheet analysis process in the flowchart illustrated in FIG.8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the inventionwill be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating external appearancesof a multifunctional peripheral (MFP) 100 as an example of an imageforming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

The MFP 100 includes a display unit 101, an operation unit 102, a cardinterface 103, a reading unit 104, and a recording unit 105.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the MFP 100 is constructed such thatthe reading unit 104 and the recording unit 105 are enclosed in ahousing. When copying a document or performing a sheet-scan process inthe present embodiment, the user opens the reading cover of the readingunit 104 and places a document on the glass surface. Then, the usercloses the reading cover, opens the recording cover of the recordingunit 105, and presses the start key on the operation unit 102 to executea desired function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the MFP 100. TheMFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a read only memory(ROM) 202, a random access memory (RAM) 203, an image memory 204, anoperation unit 102, a reading control unit 206, a contact image sensor(CS) 207, a book reading control unit 209, a communication control unit210, and a encoding/decoding processing unit 211. The MFP 100 furtherincludes an image processing unit 212, a recording control unit 213, acolor printer 214, a card reader interface unit 215, and a card reader216.

The CPU 201 is a system control unit that controls the MFP 100. The ROM202 stores a control program of the CPU 201 and an operating system (OS)program. The RAM 203 is a static random access memory (SRAM) or thelike, and stores program control variables. The RAM 203 further storessetting values input by the operator, equipment management data, and thebuffers for various kinds of work. The image memory 204 is a dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM) or the like, and accumulates image data.

In the present embodiment, the various control programs stored in ROM202 perform software control such as scheduling and task switch underthe management of the OS stored in ROM 202. The operation unit 102includes various kinds of keys, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and liquidcrystal displays (LEDs). The operation unit 102 performs various inputoperations by the operator, and displays a screen in connection with theinput operations, the operating states of the functions and thecondition of the image forming apparatus.

The reading control unit 206 controls the CS 207 and the book readingcontrol unit 209 to read an original document placed on the reading unit104. Image data that is read is stored in RAM 203. The CS 207 opticallyreads the original, converts image data into an electrical image signalthat is digitized by analog-to-digital (AD) conversion. After thisprocess, digital data is subjected to image processing, such as shadingcorrection and device-dependent gamut correction, and the highdefinition image data is output to RAM 203.

The book reading control unit 209 controls a motor using a motor drivetable specified by the reading control unit 206 in synchronization witha motor step speed. The book reading control unit 209 reads a sheet ofan original document by moving the CS 207 in parallel with the originaldocument. In the present embodiment, the reading control unit 206performs book reading control to scan the original placed on the platen.In another embodiment, sheet reading control is performed for readingthe original while it is being transferred.

The communication control unit 210 includes a modulator/demodulator(MODEM), and a network control unit (NCU) The communication control unit210 in the present embodiment is connected to an analog communicationline (PSTN). The communication control unit 210 performs facsimilecommunication control in T30 protocol, and line control for outgoingcall and incoming call on a communication line. Please note that anycommunication interface and protocol that would enable practice of theinvention is applicable.

The encoding/decoding processing unit 211 performs encoding/decodingprocessing and scaling processing on image data managed by the MFP 100.Color image data is compressed and decompressed according to JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG). Monochrome image data is compressedand decompressed according to Modified Read (MR).

The image processing unit 212 performs resolution conversion, such asmm/inch resolution conversion, for image data, analysis of image datastored in RAM 203, image processing for color correction to record theimage data with optimum picture quality based on a result of theanalysis, and rotation of image data. The image processing unit 212further performs image-data conversion, such as analyzing of a pagedescription language and bitmap rasterization of character data.

The recording control unit 213 performs control so that image datastored in RAM 203 is read out and is subjected to various kinds of imageprocessing such as smoothing, record density correction, and colorcorrection in the image processing unit 212. Further, the recordingcontrol unit 213 converts the image data into print data which the colorprinter 214 can print, and controls each record page.

The color printer 214 is a laser beam printer or an inkjet printer, andreceives print data generated by the recording control unit 213, andprints the received print data on a recording paper.

The card reader interface 214 is an interface for establishingconnection with the card reader 216, and controls reading of data from amemory card in the card reader 216 and writing of data onto the memorycard in the card reader 216. In the present embodiment, the card readerinterface 215 is a universal serial bus (USB) interface any interfacethat would enable practice of the present invention is applicable.

The card reader 216 is compatible with USB interface storage class andprovided with insertion slots for memory cards, such as a CompactFlash®, a secure digital (SD) card, and a memory stick. The card reader216 notifies the CPU 201 via a hardware interrupt when a card isinserted or withdrawn.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a file list 601 and print mode settings602 according to the present embodiment. When the CPU 201 detects that amemory card has been inserted into the card reader 216, the file list601 is allocated to RAM 203. When the CPU 201 detects that a memory cardhas been inserted in the card reader 216, the CPU 201 searches thememory card for a print target image through the card reader interfaceunit 215. Searched files are sorted in the order of folder names andfile names. The sorted files are stored in an order corresponding tofile numbers and classified by folder names and file names.

At this time, the number of prints of each file name in the file list601 is initialized to zero. FIG. 6 illustrates the list sorted in theorder of file names, but the list can also be sorted in the order ofphoto-taking dates. In print mode settings 602, when the file list 601is generated, each setting is initialized to a predetermined initialvalue. Results of analysis of the mark-sensing sheets are set to thefile list 601 and the print mode settings 602, so that the consistencyof data can be checked after analysis results of all mark-sensing sheetsare obtained. Images for which the number of prints has been set can beprinted according to the print mode settings 602.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sheet scancontrol system of the present embodiment. The operation is executed whenthe reading cover of the reading unit 104 is opened, an originaldocument is placed on the glass plate, and image print according to themark-sensing sheet is selected on the operation unit 102.

When image print according to the mark-sensing sheet is elected, thenumbers of prints in the file list 601 are initialized to zero (stepS801), and the items of print mode settings 602 are initialized topredetermined values (step S802). Then, the variable ofNextPageRequestFlag used in determining whether to read the nextmark-sensing sheet is initialized (step S803). Reading resolution and anumber of colors are specified to the reading control unit 206, and themark-sensing sheet on the reading unit 104 is read (step S804). Imagedata read from the mark-sensing sheet is stored as image data for onesheet in the image memory 204. The mark-sensing sheet is analyzed toanalyze stored image data on the mark-sensing sheet (step S805).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mark-sensing sheet MS1 according tothe present embodiment. When analyzing a mark-sensing sheet, the printmode in the print mode settings 401 is analyzed. If “Refer to printsetting on the next page” or “Add image on the next page” is marked, thevariable of NextPageRequestFlag is set to YES. If, in step S806, thevariable of NextPageRequestFlag is YES, the process returns to step S803to read the next mark-sensing sheet. At this time, an indication isdisplayed on the display unit 101 to prompt the user to place amark-sensing sheet on the reading unit 104 and press the start key onthe operation unit 102.

When the user changes the mark-sensing sheet and presses the start key,the process takes place again starting with step S803. If, in step S806,the variable of NextPageRequestFlag is NO, it is determined that readingof the next mark-sensing sheet is not specified, and the processproceeds to step S807.

In step S807, a check is made to see if there is inconsistency in markedprint mode settings and a marked print image. For example, it is checkedwhether recording paper size, media type, and bordered or borderlessprinting are marked doubly or more. In the present embodiment, there isno item that could be doubly selected.

If settings necessary for print control have not been made, thiscondition is determined to be inconsistent. When inconsistency isdetermined in step S807, the process is terminated and goes to an errorprocess (step S810). In the error process (step S810), the display unit101 displays the inconsistency and illustrates detailed contents of anerror. If, in step S807, consistency is confirmed, one or more images inthe file list 601 are printed according to print mode settings 602 (stepS808). The print process in step S808 is performed until all images areprinted. After all specified images have been printed (YES in stepS809), the process is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the mark-sensing sheetanalysis (step S805) in the flowchart of FIG. 8. The mark-sensing sheetanalysis includes measuring an oblique travel amount that occurs whenthe mark-sensing sheet is read by the reading control unit 206, based onimage data of the mark-sensing sheet stored in the image memory 204, andthen adjusting marking positions (step S901).

Then, the print mode settings 401 are analyzed. In the print modesettings 401, if the items related to recording paper are marked, thatmeans a recording paper size, a media type, and bordered or borderlessprinting have been selected. Therefore, first, it is checked if arecording paper size has been marked (step S902). If a recording papersize has been marked (YES in step S902), the recording paper size markedat the print mode settings 602 is set (step S903).

Next, a media type is set (step S905). Then, bordered or borderlessprint is set (step S907), and the correction processing is analyzed. Ifa recording paper size has not been marked in step S902, the processmoves to step S908.

In the conventional sheet scan system, the print mode is establishedwith one mark-sensing sheet. Accordingly, if a recording paper has notbeen marked as in the present embodiment, the process will end in anerror termination. However, in the present embodiment, it is possiblethat the next mark-sensing sheet will be read. thus, a decision is notmade as to whether to go to the error process.

In step S908, a decision is made if date print is marked. If it isdecided in step S908 that date print is marked, date in the print modesetting 602 is set to ON (step S909). If date print is not marked instep S908, date in the print mode settings 602 is set to OFF (stepS910).

Then, in step S911, it is determined whether automatic image correctionis marked. If automatic image correction is marked (YES in step S911),the automatic image correction in the print mode settings 602 is set toON (step S912). If the automatic image correction has not been marked(NO in step S911), the automatic image correction in the print modesettings 602 is set to OFF (step S913).

In the present embodiment, if date print or automatic image correctionis not marked, the unmarked function is OFF. If date print and automaticimage correction are marked, the marked functions are ON. Therefore, theresults of a new mark-sensing sheet are written over the results of theprevious mark-sensing sheet. However, it can be arranged such that ifthe date print or the automatic image correction is ON in the oldmark-sensing sheet, this active function can be prevented from becomingOFF in a new mark-sensing sheet even if this function is not marked inthe new mark-sensing sheet.

As a method of specifying date print or automatic image correction,either ON or OFF is selected. If neither ON nor OFF is marked on a newmark-sensing sheet, no setting is made, and therefore the currentsettings on the previous mark-sensing sheet can be maintained ON.

Then, the option items in the print mode settings 401 are analyzed. Instep S914, it is determined whether “Refer to print settings on the nextpage” is marked. If it is marked (NO in step S914), it is determined instep S916 whether “Add image on the next mage” is marked. If it is notmarked (NO in step S916), it is not necessary to read the mark-sensingsheet on the next page, so that NO is maintained as the variable ofNextPageRequestFlag, and the process proceeds to step S917. If it isdetermined that the message in step S914 or step S916 is marked, it isnecessary to read the mark-sensing sheet on the next page, so that thevariable of NextPageRequestFlag is set to YES (step S915), and theprocess proceeds to step S917.

Therefore, after the mark-sensing sheet analysis process has beenfinished, it is possible to read the mark-sensing sheet again. Then, animage to be printed is searched for. In step S917, the bar code 403printed on the mark-sensing sheet illustrated in FIG. 4 is analyzed. Thehead number and the last number of images specified as print objects bythe mark-sensing sheet are obtained, and a number of images N specifiedas print objects on the mark-sensing sheet is calculated. In step S918,the count number is initialized to 0 to analyze the number of imagescalculated in step S917.

The marked items of the i-th image information are analyzed, and it isdetermined whether the number of prints is marked (step S919). If thenumber of prints has been set (YES in step S919), this number is set asthe number of prints in the file list 601 (step S920). This process isperformed on N pieces of images printed on the mark-sensing sheet. Whenall of N images have been confirmed (NO in step S921), the process isfinished.

As in the conventional mark-sensing sheet MS11 illustrated in FIG. 3,the print mode settings 401 of the mark-sensing sheet MS1 illustrated inFIG. 4 includes items for specifying, for example, recording paper size,recording paper media type, bordered or borderless print.

The marking area of date print for specifying whether an image-takingdate should be printed and superimposed on the image at the time ofrecording is printed on the mark-sensing sheet as a correctionprocessing. In addition, there is also provided a marking area forspecifying whether to perform automatic image correction. Automaticimage correction is the mode to realize optimum print quality based onhistograms of luminance and saturation of the image, and photo-takingconditions included in image data.

In order to enable reading of a plurality of mark-sensing sheets,marking areas, that is, “Refer to print settings on the next page” and“Add image on the next page”, are provided as options. If “Refer toprint setting on the next page” is marked, the settings of recordingpaper and correction processing can be set to ON to perform settings onthe next mark-sensing sheet.

Therefore, if a user prints a mark-sensing sheet for specifying imagesthat the user wishes to print and marks images to be printed, print modesetting is completed. Since a mark-sensing sheet previously used isavailable, the user does not need to mark on a new mark-sensing sheet.

If “Add image on the next page” is marked on the mark-sensing sheet, inaddition to images specified to be printed on the current mark-sensingsheet, even images specified on another mark-sensing sheet can betreated as printing objects. If among a plurality of mark-sensingsheets, print mode settings are marked only on one mark-sensing sheet,all images specified on each mark-sensing sheet can be printed. If both“Refer to print settings on the next page” and “Add image on the nextpage” have been marked on those mark-sensing sheets, the similaroperation can be performed.

The image information 402 includes sample images that can be specifiedby the mark-sensing sheet, in a reduced form, and the marking areas forspecifying shooting dates and numbers of prints. In image information402, one to three prints can be set for each image. If an image is notprinted and none of those numbers are marked, the number of prints ofthe image is not counted.

The image number range 403 is a bar code which shows from what number towhat number the images specified in the mark-sensing sheet MS-1 rangewithin the memory card. In a case where the image number range 403 isanalyzed on each mark-sensing sheet and the same image is the printingobject on different mark-sensing sheets, the number of prints which isread later than the previous one can be set to ON, or can be added tothe previous number of prints and constitute a total number.

As described above, when marking areas are provided for “Refer to printsetting on the next page” and “Add to image on the next page” on amark-sensing sheet and those marking areas are filled with marking, theconsistency of settings on the mark-sensing sheet is not checked andcontrol is performed to read the next mark-sensing sheet.

Settings on a newly read mark-sensing sheet are given priority and areregistered as a print mode. Therefore, even when images are printedusing a plurality of mark-sensing sheets, by marking items of print modesetting only on one mark-sensing sheet, all images which the user wishesto print can be printed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a mark-sensing sheet according to asecond embodiment of the present invention. The structure and theoperation flowchart of an image forming apparatus according to thepresent embodiment are similar to the previous embodiment, and thereforetheir descriptions are omitted. The items related to a recording paperand the items related to the correction process in the print modesettings 501 are the same as those of the previous embodiment, whichhave been described with respect to FIG. 4.

In an optional setting of the print mode settings 501, as a method forspecifying the print mode for each image, a description is written whichprompts the user to fill the square box 503 at a lower right position ofeach sample image in the image information 502. The square box 503 isprovided for each image. When the box 503 of the image is filled out,the settings on a new mark-sensing sheet can be effective as to themarked image. However, even when the box 503 has been marked, if thenumber of prints is not specified, the process will end in an errortermination due to inconsistency at the time of an analysis. The barcode representing the head number and the end number of images is thesame as described in FIG. 4. [0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating afile list 701 and print mode setting items 702 used in the presentembodiment.

In the present embodiment, a print mode can be set for each image.Therefore, a print setting item is provided in the file list 701, sothat different setting data items 703 or 704, for example, can bespecified for different images.

According to the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality ofmark-sensing sheets are used and a plurality of images are selected andprinted, if print setting is marked on any one of the mark-sensingsheets, the images of all mark-sensing sheets can be printed even whenprint setting is not marked on the other mark-sensing sheets.

Further, according to the present embodiment, if a user wishes to makesome changes in a print instruction to specify print control, desiredprint control can be specified by revising only the items on the firstmark-sensing sheet.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2006-168564 filed Jun. 19, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a scanner unit configured toread an original document; a memory unit configured to store image data;a printer unit configured to print image data; and an analysis unitconfigured to analyze a print specification sheet read by the scanner,wherein when the analysis unit determines that in a first printspecification sheet there is no instruction to read a second printspecification sheet, the printer unit prints image data based on thefirst print specification sheet, and when the analysis unit determinesthat in the first specification sheet there is an instruction to read asecond print specification sheet, the printer unit prints image dataspecified on the first and second print specification sheets based onthe first or the second print specification sheet.
 2. The image formingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanner unit reads thesecond print specification sheet based on an analysis result by theanalysis unit concerning at least one of a marked item instructing toread a print instruction on the second specification sheet described inthe first print specification sheet, and a marked item instructing toread image data on the second print specification sheet.
 3. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer prints theimage data according to a print instruction on the second printspecification sheet giving priority to a print instruction on the secondprint specification sheet when an instruction to print the image data isspecified by the second print specification sheet, and the printerprints the image data according to a print instruction on the firstprint specification sheet giving priority to a print instruction on thefirst print specification sheet when an instruction to print the imagedata is not specified on the second print specification sheet.
 4. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanner readsthe second print specification sheet when the analysis unit determinesthat in the first print specification sheet there is an instruction toread the second print specification sheet, even if there areinstructions as to the same image in the first print specification sheetand the second print specification sheet.
 5. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the scanner unit reads print specificationsheets until an analysis result by the analysis unit indicates thatthere is no instruction to read the next print specification sheet.
 6. Amethod for controlling an image forming apparatus having a scannerconfigured to read an original document, a memory unit configured tostore image data, and a printer unit configured to print image data, themethod comprising: analyzing a first print specification sheet; printingimage data based on a first print specification sheet, if an analysisresult indicates that in the first print specification sheet there is noinstruction to read a second print specification sheet; and printingimage data specified by the first and the second print specificationsheets based on the first or the second print specification sheet, ifthe analysis result indicates that in the first print specificationsheet there is an instruction to read the second specification sheet. 7.A method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to claim6, wherein reading the second print specification sheet the scanner unitbased on an analysis result by the analysis unit concerning at least oneof a marked item instructing to read a print instruction on the secondspecification sheet described in the first print specification sheet,and a marked item instructing to read image data on the second printspecification sheet.
 8. A method for controlling the image formingapparatus according to claim 6, wherein printing the image data by theprinter unit according to a print instruction on the second printspecification sheet giving priority to a print instruction on the secondprint specification sheet when an instruction to print the image data isspecified by the second print specification sheet, and the printerprints the image data according to a print instruction on the firstprint specification sheet giving priority to a print instruction on thefirst print specification sheet when an instruction to print the imagedata is not specified on the second print specification sheet.
 9. Amethod for controlling the image forming apparatus according to claim 6,wherein reading the second print specification sheet by the scanner unitwhen the analysis result indicates that in the first print specificationsheet there is an instruction to read the second print specificationsheet, even if there are instructions as to the same image in the firstprint specification sheet and the second print specification sheet. 10.A method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to claim6, wherein reading print specification sheets by the scanner unit untilan analysis result indicates that there is no instruction to read thenext print specification sheet.